Press Digest for Tuesday June 10, 2014

The following are summaries of today's major stories published in the Arabic press. LBCI does not edit press digest articles for content, giving English-language readers insight into the various views expressed in newspapers across the Arab world.

• MP Helou to meet MP Michel Aoun on Wednesday

Al-Joumhouria newspaper reported on Tuesday that Progressive Socialist Party candidate MP Henry Helou is visiting religious and political figures, pointing out that he will meet Change and Reform Bloc Leader MP Michel Aoun on Wednesday.

The newspaper mentioned that MP Helou had previously visited Kataeb Party Leader Amine Gemayel, stressing that he is also keen on visiting Marada Party Leader MP Sleiman Franjieh as well as Lebanese Forces Chief Samir Geagea.

• Cabinet did not discuss establishment of refugee camps at Lebanese-Syrian borders - Minister

Social Affairs Minister Rashid Derbass stated on Tuesday that the Lebanese cabinet has not taken a decision pertaining to the establishment of refugee camps at the Lebanese-Syrian borders in a bid to stop the influx of Syrian refugees into the Lebanese territories.

Derbass told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the decision of the cabinet to control the influx of refugees into Lebanon is definite.

In this regard, Derbass mentioned that only citizens coming from places which are not safe will be allowed refuge in Lebanon.

• MP Zahra: LF deputies will not participate in parliamentary session

Deputy Antoine Zahra told Al-Mustaqbal newspaper on Tuesday that Lebanese Forces MPs will not participate in today’s parliamentary session scheduled to discuss the series of ranks and salaries, seemingly since an agreement pertaining to the said dossier was not reached.

Meanwhile, Progressive Socialist Party Leader MP Walid Jumblatt told As-Safir newspaper that he will not vote in favor of approving the new wage hike, stressing that deputies who vote in favor of the said dossier will have to bear the consequences of their “chaotic choice”.       

• March 14 sources: Ambassador Hale wanted to clarify Kerry’s stance

March 14 sources told Al-Mustaqbal Newspaper on Tuesday that these forces held a meeting with US Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale seemingly since the latter wanted to clarify the stance of US Secretary of State John Kerry, adding that Ambassador Hale is keen on holding talks with other Lebanese officials.

The sources quoted Ambassador Hale as saying that the US stance on Hezbollah has not changed yet, stressing the necessity of adhering to the 1559 UN Resolution.